While most of the American population is fortunate enough the closest they will come to conflict and war is through the safety of a television or phone screen, millions have had to face national and international troubles face-to-face on foreign grounds. Properly caring and paying tribute to those who have risked or lost their life to keep the nation safe is essential. Thanks to organizations like the Greene County Honor Guard, our veterans remain respected and celebrated.
The members of the Honor Guard can be found taking part in all local military ceremonies, parades, school visitations, and all veteran funerals. One of their primary missions is to assist all veterans and their families by performing in the official veteran burial ceremonies.
“I am very proud to execute final rites at veteran burials and to help veteran families in need,” said Martin Wilson, the Commander of the Greene County Honor Guard. “I am thankful for the continuation of my military service in this aspect.”
Wilson has been the commander since the organization’s inception in 2016 when it was formed from veterans of various Greene County organizations, including the Waynesburg VFW, Waynesburg American Legion, etc. The Honor Guard is based out of the Waynesburg VFW Post 4793. Generous volunteers still compose the backbone of the organization.
“The members include volunteers from all veteran organizations,” said Wilson. “We are always welcoming new members to join our cause, because a good many of our members are getting up in age.”
A wide variety of military personnel comprise the Waynesburg VFW Post 4793. It includes members from all branches of the service, as well as an ordained minister from the Air Force and an Army Major who leads the funeral services.
Members also become active during military-related holidays, including Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Veterans Day, among others. They also participate at various events around the community when needed or requested. An Honor Guard member also leads the Pledge of Allegiance at all Greene County Commissioners Meetings.
If you are interested in helping or getting involved with the Honor Guard, donations are always welcome and appreciated. Support can additionally be shown by attending Honor Guard functions around Greene County. The simplest way to show support to local veterans and active members is to be part of community efforts and events that aim to assist them physically, financially, or mentally.
Last year, thanks to the kind donations and contributions from the community, the organization is now able to travel to and from events free of cost on an Honor Guard minibus that’s used for all transportation.
Find events sponsored by the Honor Guard and related local military groups on their Facebook group “GREENE COUNTY VETERANS CLUB / VFW POST 4793 WAYNESBURG PA”. Stop by the Waynesburg VFW on Sunday mornings from 8:30am until noon for a nice breakfast or try your luck in one of their frequent raffles. There are plenty of ways to thank those who served to keep America safe.